Re: Whisky Live London 2011

Looks like I'm going to be present again for a change. Has been a few years since my last visit. Have visited the first five editions. None after that. but me and my wife are going to London for a few days, and it just (very coincidently ) happens to be the same weekend as whisky live. So might as well pay a visit when I'm over will be there the Saturday session.

Re: Whisky Live London 2011

breathecosse wrote:Talk on this years London event seems to bea bit quiet.So who is going and are you booked in for any master classes?

We'll be there. I'm going with a group of twenty.We've booked the Berry Bros. & Rudd class the Whisky will be Glenrothas and Ronny Cox will take the class, should be good. Looking forward to it. I hope the new venue is as good as last years.

Re: Whisky Live London 2011

Hurlingham club was good for us we could get a train direct from Hemel with just one change for a couple of stops on the overground underground. Not checked the route yet But I'm sure it won't be quite so easy.

Re: Whisky Live London 2011

Just to say to Rob et al, it was a good event this year, seems like some of the sparkle is coming back to WL.

New venue is very good, and really nice to seem some new exhibitors.

Many thanks to the lady (who's name I sadly have forgotten but may be the new Pippa), who spent most of the event running up and down the stairs in heels trying to gee exhibitors up to the VIP area.

A few minor areas that could be improved:

Security gaurd on gate could have been a little more flexible about allowing people in to the grounds before 12 so that you didn't have attendees obstructing the pavement for 20mins before show start.

Exhibitors were told last pours at 4:30 which is IMHO too early for an event which has already had time shaved off it. Some [rival] London Whisky events leave last pours until 10 mins before show end - it doesn't take 30 mins to taste 2cl of Whisky!

Water should be more easily accessible, have at least 2 highly visible water areas in the main hall.

Re: Whisky Live London 2011

Rob I'd like to echo Rufus's comments about the show. As a whole it was excellent. And it was good to see you again. The food was a vast improvement on previous offerings. To have a proper hot meal was really nice. And it was really tasty. Now obviously we don't go to the show for the food but it added to the experience.

My friend Nathan who had not been before really enjoyed himself and was chuffed to be picked out to be sketched. The atmosphere in the afternoon was buzzing and everyone we met attendee's and exhibitors alike, to seemed to be having a good time.

A highlight for us was the Ronnie Cox Glenrothes masterclass. He was in good form and the whiskies we had were excellent. The 1978 and the John Ramsay being very memorable.

The Glenlivet stand and Ambassadors lounge were excellent. With Uncle Ian Logan in residence, I said to him it was like going to see Santa. But a charming experience. And the hospitality was greatly appreciated. Of course the 1964 Private Cellar being most appreciated.

I have to add to what Rufus said about entering the show though. It was advertised as starting at 12 o'clock. Well at 12 o'clock we were still standing outside on the pavement and not allowed on the premises at it is a military base. At previous venues tickets have been allowed to be collected so that you can start the show at the advertised time. We were second in the queue one of our party was not on your list it took the intervention of Steve Pointing to resolve the matter. ( He is excellent by the way ). But the point is, it was about 12.20 by the time we got into the show and there were many behind us. It must have taken the best part of an hour to get everybody in. Which was a shame. The day went too quick and thinking back I wanted to visit Compass Box, Springbank and The Finnish whisky stand but time did not allow, I guess they'll have to be first next time.

Another highlight for us was the Bowmore stand Michael from Bowmore was very chatty and we really enjoyed the Bowmore Tempest and 16 year old Port wood. Also the Connemara guys funnily enough another Michael looked after us and we all bought a bottle of the new Turf Mor.

So thanks again for a good show your staff were very helpful and even the security guys had a smile and a chat with us. It was good to see forum members Bamber and Paul Jellis again as well.

Re: Whisky Live London 2011

I'll go along with what has already been said, it took too long to get into the show and it should have been stated that the show was going to effectively end at 4.30. I must have lost 50 minutes out of an already shortened day.

Having said that, I greatly enjoyed my day, meeting up with old friends, making a couple of new ones, and enjoying some excellent drams. The food was better than before, but I struggled a bit after my 3 breakfasts!

A special thank you to the guys at Compass Box, Iain Scott from Springbank, the young lady that served me in Cafe Nero (she know's why) and to all that had a hand in organising the event.

Last edited by Paul A Jellis on Tue Mar 08, 2011 11:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Re: Whisky Live London 2011

Have to agree with most of the comments made.Waiting outside for what seemed like an age, not to far behind Paul in the queue.By the time we got in and got a quick bearings check to see the lay out.A few drams, some great tasting food then back down stairs for Colin Dunnsmaster class which started 20 minutes late. Colin was on great form and the Caol ila Moch was great. Eventually we got in to have a chat with Ian Logan and the day was over. Time just ran away, missed out in trying some due to crowds waiting at some of the stands and thinking i would nip back later.